Battle of Franklin & BY ABBI WILT History enthusiasts flock to Franklin year after year to learn about its storied past centered around the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of America’s Civil War. More than 150 years later, the stories of both despair and heroism have been carefully preserved and shared daily with visitors from all over the world. Four local Civil War sites and homes - Carnton, Carter House, Rippavilla, and Lotz House - each has a unique story to tell regarding the Battle of Franklin. All four historic homes offer incredible guided tours led by knowledgeable staff to share moving stories of that fateful day. Carnton
VISIT LOCAL LANDMARKS Carnton is one of Franklin’s most famous landmarks - a beautiful 19th century home depicting the classic Southern wealth of the McGavock family. During the Battle of Franklin, however, this home - known in social circles for its gracious host Carrie McGavock - became a field hospital for hundreds of dying soldiers. Visitors can tour Carnton to experience first-hand Civil War history as well as the grounds, where the home’s ornamental vegetable garden has been closely restored to its former glory by master gardener Justin Stelter.
as Confederate General John Bell Hood organized his attack. The home and farm office building took brutal fire - about 1,000 bullets, in fact. Visitors can see the bullet holes to this day, making the farm office at Carter House the most bullet-damaged building still standing from the Civil War. Just across the street stands the Lotz House, abandoned by its family during the battle, with similar scars. Tours are available for both homes. Twenty miles south of Franklin, on the afternoon of November 29, 1864, over 25,000 Federal and Confederate soldiers converged on the small village of Spring Hill. The Battle of Spring Hill was the genesis of the nightmare that
History lovers may also want to stop by Carter House, an
unfolded on the fields south of Franklin in the waning
1830s brick farmhouse built by Fountain Branch Carter
autumn light as the American Civil War spiraled toward
for his large family. During the Civil War, Carter House
its violent conclusion. Today, visitors can tour Rippavilla,
was commandeered as a Federal Command Post for its
a Greek Revival-style home that was built in the mid-
proximity to the battle. The Carter family - along with their
1850s by a Civil War major and a significant Battle of
neighbors, the Lotz family - took refuge in the basement
Spring Hill site.
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